Which type of radiation accounts for approximately 52% of the annual population exposure in the U.S.?

Which type of radiation accounts for approximately 52% of the annual population exposure in the U.S.?

• A. Cosmic radiation
• B. Radon
• C. Medical radiation
• D. Terrestrial radiation

Answer: (B)

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is a significant contributor to the annual population exposure to radiation in the United States, accounting for approximately 52% of the total background radiation exposure that individuals receive. Radon can seep into homes and buildings from the ground, making indoor air concentrations a concern for public health. Understanding the impact of radon is crucial, as it can lead to lung cancer with prolonged exposure, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces. Efforts to mitigate radon levels in homes include testing, ventilation improvements, and, in some cases, installation of radon mitigation systems. Other types of radiation, such as cosmic radiation, medical radiation, and terrestrial radiation, do contribute to population exposure but to a lesser extent compared to radon. Cosmic radiation comes from outer space; medical radiation results from diagnostic imaging and treatments; and terrestrial radiation comes from naturally occurring radioactive materials in the earth. Each has its own significance in terms of public health and safety, but radon stands out as the most substantial source of radiation exposure in the U.S. population.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is a significant contributor to the annual population exposure to radiation in the United States, accounting for approximately 52% of the total background radiation exposure that individuals receive. Radon can seep into homes and buildings from the ground, making indoor air concentrations a concern for public health.

Understanding the impact of radon is crucial, as it can lead to lung cancer with prolonged exposure, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces. Efforts to mitigate radon levels in homes include testing, ventilation improvements, and, in some cases, installation of radon mitigation systems.

Other types of radiation, such as cosmic radiation, medical radiation, and terrestrial radiation, do contribute to population exposure but to a lesser extent compared to radon. Cosmic radiation comes from outer space; medical radiation results from diagnostic imaging and treatments; and terrestrial radiation comes from naturally occurring radioactive materials in the earth. Each has its own significance in terms of public health and safety, but radon stands out as the most substantial source of radiation exposure in the U.S. population.